2005 ($13,192 Total Awarded)

The Texas AGD (TAGD) received a grant from the Academy of General Dentistry Foundation (AGDF) for $1,300 to help create awareness of oral cancer, to promote early detection, and to educate the public about oral health complications during cancer therapy. Highlights of the event included an information booth at the Lance Armstrong two-day LIVESTRONG Village—a free health and sports expo; a continuing education program, “Oral Cancer: Early Detection and Diagnosis,” presented by Jerry Bouquot, DDS, of Houston; free oral cancer screenings for the public at the LIVESTRONG Village; distribution of press releases and public service announcements to Texas media; and Team TAGD participating in the Ride for the Roses bike ride.

The Pennsylvania AGD (PAGD) received a grant for $7,000 to upgrade KidzGrinz, its Web site for children and their parents, educators, and advocates. The Web site features six unique sections: “Suds and Friends,” which teaches good oral hygiene habits; “Peek Inside,” which allows kids to learn about their mouth’s anatomy; “Munchies,” which addresses good eating habits; “Brace Yourself,” which helps children understand why they may need this common treatment; “Goggles, Gloves and Gowns,” which gives a child-guided tour that takes the mystery out of visiting a dentist; and “What’s Up Doc,” a section which allows kids, parents, and teachers to e-mail questions to and receive answers from PAGD dentists.

The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) received a grant from the AGDF for $4,892 to distribute dental health information to new patients in hospital labor and delivery units regarding their newborns. The purpose for this initiative was to educate parents about the importance of taking care of their new baby’s oral health at an early age. While parents receive a great deal of information in the hospital regarding the overall health of their new baby, hospitals do not generally provide new parents with information concerning their baby’s mouth. The MDS partnered with six hospitals around the state for this initiative. Over a period of one year, a total of 11,000 parents will benefit from this information.

The AGD Foundation was incorporated in 1972, in the state of Illinois, and is exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as a vehicle to accept tax deductible contributions for the purpose of supporting charitable and education programs.